Learning Curve From Stand Alone To Pc?

[Drummerbones]

I've spent many years working with stand alone recorders and now I'm seriously looking into going the PC route. I've figured out what computer setup I'm going with, for the most part. I'll probably use a Delta 1010LT card. Since I'm familiar with operating a PC, and am very comfortable using stand alone hardware, will the learning curve be difficlut for me on a PC? I basically want to record up to 8 tracks at a time, run 16-24 total tracks and be able to edit, cut & paste, add multiple effects on each channel and mix down. I know nothing (yet) about how to use plug-ins, how to cut and paste or how other options work on PC software. Just curious as to what I'm getting into and how rough the transition might be.

Thanks

 

[perceive]

Well my thoughts are....
if you are not really familiar with PC's you may find the mac route easier

Generally the learning curve for a pc is not really easy, but, it can be as difficult as you want to make it IMO.

The Mac is simpler allowing you more time to learn just the audio programs....

 

[Bulls Hit]

It depends which s/w works best for you. Best thing is to download some demos and try them out.

I looked around before I bought, and I settled on Cakewalk Guitar Tracks. Hard to beat imo for sheer intuitive simplicity

 

[Farview]

Since you have been recording for a while, you have won half the battle. You know what you want to do, you just have to read the manual to find out how to tell the computer to do it. It is a much shorter learning curve than with the stand alones. Everything is a little more obvious in a computer based system.

 

[NYMorningstar]

Making the change from analog to digital is a piece of cake. Everything stays the same pretty much except for the recording medium. A big difference is when you track you can't go past 0db or you'll clip noticibly. You'll find mixing a bit easier, and the editing way easier than tape.

I'd go with the pc because of compatibility and support, a Delta 1010 for a soundcard and Cubase SX3 for software. No matter which way you go though there is plenty of support for you here on the BBS.

 

[Drummerbones]

Okay, so I feel better about the learning curve. However, I'm the kind of guy who likes to turn knobs. I want the endless possibilities of PC, but I like the hands-on approach. I can't afford a fancy USB PC mixer (or whatever they're called)....I'm either going to buy a Yamaha AW16G, or for the same money I can go with a nice PC set up. I'm really struggling with this. Anyone who's made the transition from multi-tracker to PC (or who are glad they didn't) please chime in.

 

[CoolCat]

Okay, so I feel better about the learning curve. However, I'm the kind of guy who likes to turn knobs. I want the endless possibilities of PC, but I like the hands-on approach. I can't afford a fancy USB PC mixer (or whatever they're called)....I'm either going to buy a Yamaha AW16G, or for the same money I can go with a nice PC set up. I'm really struggling with this. Anyone who's made the transition from multi-tracker to PC (or who are glad they didn't) please chime in.

chime in,
there's a lot struggling and no one wants (or has in my pocket)
the cash to get stung/stiffed.

i got burnt once or twice, the ROLAND 840 standalone kicked my ass,
and made me hate to record anything.
tried Cakewalk (8?) with a friend...1998...
just didn't jive, and there was a lot of getting
used to (which I didn't)...and learning only to relaize I needed
a NEW $$$ COMPUTER!!

I scurried back to the Yammie MD8...just so I could start
having fun again. Beefed up the Input chain which will go to any
format. I do want to upgrade, but with USer-Musician friendly
interface. (I don't sit behind a Glass Window).

recently tried the USB M-Audio thingy, it was user friendly!!
but my own inexperience maybe added negatives +30 return policy.
Took it back. Software-Demo package was not meshing.
Again, old computer worried me.

Learning the threads:
CD is 16/44.1= CD Quality. Basically your in Digital.
24bit is higher sampling (good), the car CD player will be
the weak link @ 16bit, not
your tracks(24bit).

Overkill Warning:
44.1K relate to 20Khz (humans hearing high range)
24/96K maybe overkill, for small home studio tracking.
and the higher samples will eat up the memory.

Sounds like 24/44.1 is a good solid HomeRecording medium.
DELTA 1010LT is sounding sweet.

I'm upgrading,
Monitors upgrade (Wharfedales8.2A or BX5 w/sub)
SP B1/DMP3/RNC/TC M300>> Holding/No change

FORMAT:Yammie MD8+Pioneer CDR
??Standalone (Tascam 24track 24/bit USER FRIENDLY???
New DP01 is and has USB- new stuff but is 16bit/44.1 (hi-end quality).
?? PC (Frys $300 tower/CDR plus M-Audio101OLT + ???Tracking software)

I'm glad I could help you make your decision.
Gooodd ddaaayyy.